Selecting the right publisher or book series for a monograph or volume is a decision that involves several factors. This post provides a comprehensive list of differences between commercial book publishers and the Netherlands University Presses (NUPs) that go beyond the financial incentives.
Selecting the right publisher or book series for a monograph or volume is a decision that involves several factors. While the Netherlands University Presses (NUPs) can offer a cost-effective or no-cost option for authors, they may not always align with their specific needs and situations. Librarians can help authors find the right home for their manuscripts by listening to the researcher’s needs.
Below is a list of differences between commercial book publishers and NUPs that go beyond the financial incentives.
| Commercial Publisher | Netherlands University Presses | |
| Financial model | BPC or subscription-based | Community or institution-supported |
| License | Closed or Open | Mostly Open |
| Copyright | Often held by the publisher (if closed access) | Author retains rights |
| Portfolios | Acceptance may often be driven by popular research topics/ language | Research relevant to the specific community/institution offering greater flexibility and diversity in topics, types, and languages. |
| Peer review | Both commercial and university publishers conduct robust peer reviews, when applicable. | Both commercial and university publishers conduct robust peer reviews, when applicable, counter to the myth that peer review is less robust. |
| Reputation | Commercial publishers are seen more favorably by researchers due to their long-standing presence and systemic factors | University presses may not enjoy the same status as their commercial counterparts but are trusted highly by researchers due to institutional reputation. |
| Transparency | Little to no cost transparency. | Higher transparency of costs. |
| Marketing and visibility | Commercial publishers may have more resources for book marketing. This is often highly valued by authors. | As most books are published OA, they enjoy greater visibility than their closed counterparts despite limited marketing. |
| Author satisfaction | Experiences vary depending on the type and scale of publishers, but it is common for authors to experience the process as being impersonal and daunting at times. | Due to the small size of Dutch university presses, authors report to enjoy greater support and advice through the research life-cycle from university presses. |
In your experience, what are the key benefits and challenges of publishing with NUPs as compared to their commercial counterparts? What do you usually advise your authors?
